By Jeff Gaines, Interlaced CEO
An Information Security (InfoSec) program isn’t just a collection of policies or tools — it’s a strategic framework embedded into the core of how your company operates.
As your startup grows, so does the complexity of managing data, systems, and the risks associated with them. Scaling up introduces new challenges, and without a solid InfoSec foundation, even small vulnerabilities can become significant liabilities.
This article pulls insights from Interlaced’s latest webinar, Scaling Your Security, to show you why prioritizing InfoSec early is a game-changer.
We’ll break down how a thoughtful InfoSec program not only safeguards your critical assets but also builds trust with customers and partners—keeping your company ready for whatever comes next.
If your goal is to scale securely and sustainably, this guide will help you lay the groundwork for a strong and adaptable InfoSec program. Let’s dive in:
What is Information Security (InfoSec)?
Let’s start with the basics. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it as exciting as your favorite tech podcast!
Information Security Program or InfoSec refers to the practice of safeguarding your organization’s information systems from unauthorized access, use, modification, or destruction.
This includes everything from encrypting sensitive data to ensuring employees only access what they need. InfoSec isn’t just about tools; it’s about combining technology with policies, procedures, and a security-aware company culture to protect your information at every step. Think of it as creating a VIP list for your data.
With the right InfoSec framework in place, your organization can achieve these three critical goals:
- Confidentiality: Data stays private and accessible only to those who need it.
- Integrity: Information isn’t tampered with or altered without permission.
- Availability: Your systems are up and running, minimizing disruptions.
Tools vs. People: The key to effective security
While security tools—like firewalls, encryption, and phishing detection—are essential, they only go so far. The real foundation of a secure organization lies with its people.
Remember, your employees are the first line of defense, and building a security-conscious culture is crucial to prevent incidents before they happen.
By setting clear policies, conducting regular training, and following proactive security practices, you can avoid relying too heavily on tools alone. In other words, prevention and awareness will always outweigh even the most sophisticated technology when it comes to keeping your information assets safe.
Why does your business need an Information Security Program?
You might wonder: “Do I really need an InfoSec program right now?” Well, the truth is, whether you’re pursuing new funding, managing sensitive customer data, or handling internal trade secrets, the answer is almost always yes. Here’s why:
- Compliance requirements: Many investors, partners, and customers expect companies to comply with security standards like SOC II or HIPAA.
- Business continuity: A cyberattack could halt operations, costing you not only money but trust of your clients.
- Scaling risks: Growth is great—but the more people and systems involved, the higher your exposure to potential risks.
- Protecting your hard work: The assets you’ve built—your data, processes, and intellectual property—are the foundation of your business.
Many startups rush into buying tools without understanding their security needs, leading to expensive and ineffective solutions. Starting with the why ensures your program has a clear purpose and is tailored to your business goals.
What’s an Asset Inventory and Why Should I Care?
The first step in building your InfoSec program is knowing what you need to protect.
This process begins with creating an asset inventory. An asset isn’t just the hardware you buy—like laptops or servers—but any valuable location where critical data is stored, processed, or accessed. According to the international standard ISO 27001, an asset could include:
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
- Cloud storage solutions (e.g., Google Drive or OneDrive)
- SaaS tools (e.g., QuickBooks or Slack)
- Websites, intranets, or internal dashboards used daily
Creating an asset inventory helps you think beyond just hardware. It encourages you to map out how your data flows across systems and teams, revealing hidden vulnerabilities and priorities.
For example, it’s not just about securing your CRM—it’s about knowing how that system interacts with others, like accounting software or customer data. Once you know what assets you have, you can prioritize which ones need the most protection.
How to Handle Risk Assessments
Once you’ve identified your assets, the next step is to assess the risks associated with them. A thorough risk assessment answers these key questions:
- What happens if sensitive data is leaked? Could you lose a client or funding opportunity?
- What’s the cost of a ransomware attack? How long could you afford to be offline before it disrupts your business?
- What’s the risk of failing to protect trade secrets? Could this impact your competitive advantage?
Risk assessments help you prioritize which assets and systems need immediate attention. However, not all risks are worth mitigating immediately or at all—sometimes the cost of protecting a particular asset may outweigh its value.
For example, investing heavily in an over-the-top security system to protect a non-critical tool, like a scheduling app for team lunches, may not be a wise move.
By answering these questions, you’ll gain clarity on which risks need immediate prioritization and which can be prioritized over time. Simplifying your risk priorities now will save you from more significant business impacts later.
How to Implement an InfoSec Program and Keep Your Teams Safe
Implementing an InfoSec program may seem overwhelming at first, but the best way to start is simple: just begin.
Your program will evolve over time as new risks emerge and your business grows. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to guide you:
1. Establish an InfoSec Team
- Form a cross-functional team of executives and operational leaders to oversee security efforts.
- These individuals should understand the company’s assets, risks, and how to align security efforts with business goals.
2. Inventory and Manage Assets
- Conduct a detailed inventory of all assets.
- Assign ownership for each asset and categorize them by their importance to prioritize security measures.
3. Perform Risk Assessments and Develop Disaster Plans
- Identify potential threats and vulnerabilities for each asset.
- Develop strategies to mitigate, transfer, or accept risks based on their potential impact.
- Create disaster recovery plans to minimize downtime in the event of a breach or attack.
4. Implement Security Controls
- Technical controls: Set up encryption, firewalls, and email security tools like Ironscales to detect and prevent attacks.
- Operational controls: Establish security policies and provide employee training to promote secure practices across the organization.
5. Manage Third-Party Risks
- Evaluate the security practices of vendors and suppliers who have access to your sensitive data.
- Use contracts to enforce security standards with external partners and monitor their compliance.
6. Provide Ongoing Security Awareness Training
- Employees are your first and best line of defense against cyber threats. Regular training sessions help them recognize phishing attacks and follow best practices.
- Tools like KnowBe4 or BreachSecureNow can streamline training efforts and help track compliance.
7. Monitor, Audit, and Improve Continuously
- Regularly audit your InfoSec program through internal assessments and third-party audits.
- Use these audits to refine your security practices and ensure ongoing compliance with industry standards.
In conclusion: Start small, scale securely
Building an InfoSec program might seem intimidating, but the most important thing is to start. Remember, even tech giants were once startups with a single server. Don’t aim for perfection—aim for progress.
Begin with the why, identify your most critical assets, and prioritize risks that could impact your business the most. Over time, your program will evolve, but every small step you take now will strengthen your company’s defenses in the long run.
According to Coalition, the stakes are high with cyberattacks costing businesses with fewer than 500 employees an average of ~$3 million per breach. Protecting your business isn’t just about avoiding losses—it’s about safeguarding the future of what you’ve worked so hard to build.
Every company, regardless of size, faces risks, but with a solid InfoSec program, you’ll be ready to face them head-on and grow confidently.
If you’re looking to secure your assets, prevent disruptions, and strengthen your cybersecurity with a tailored InfoSec strategy, Interlaced is here to help.